My husband has dementia with Lewy bodies. Originally his diagnosis was 'atypical DLB' because there were no hallucinations. But recently these have started. Initially I thought he was merely forgetful when he couldn't remember who I was, but then a few weeks later he saw people in our kitchen and also became aggressive, wanting to escape from our house and throwing furniture. He is taking a new drug, memantine, which stopped this for a while. But this morning the delusions returned. He thinks I'm a hostile stranger whom he dislikes (we are very lovingly and happily married) - but thank god, either because of the memantine or possibly because of the very small dose (2.5mg) of diazepam the Dr has said I can give him at times like this - he has been sullenly hostile but not physically aggressive.
I'm finding this frightening and horrifying. Not just to be disliked by a stranger in my husband's body (I know that this is not D) but also because I'm not wholly confident that he won't become aggressive.
His care coordinator has said I should call the mental health team if there is trouble; and if it's a matter of immediate physical risk, the police. The thought of D, frightened, angry and deluded, being confronted by police - however kind and helpful, as I'm told they usually are - is awful. The thought that the delusions will recur with other people in the house (our very nice cleaner who comes twice a week, or the carers who come morning and evening to help him wash, dress, undress), is also deeply worrying.
Please, can anyone tell me what they do and how they cope? Is residential care the only solution? He is aware and intelligent quite often. I can't bear the thought of locking him away. What can I do? I would be so grateful for any suggestions.
I'm finding this frightening and horrifying. Not just to be disliked by a stranger in my husband's body (I know that this is not D) but also because I'm not wholly confident that he won't become aggressive.
His care coordinator has said I should call the mental health team if there is trouble; and if it's a matter of immediate physical risk, the police. The thought of D, frightened, angry and deluded, being confronted by police - however kind and helpful, as I'm told they usually are - is awful. The thought that the delusions will recur with other people in the house (our very nice cleaner who comes twice a week, or the carers who come morning and evening to help him wash, dress, undress), is also deeply worrying.
Please, can anyone tell me what they do and how they cope? Is residential care the only solution? He is aware and intelligent quite often. I can't bear the thought of locking him away. What can I do? I would be so grateful for any suggestions.